Computer simulations are being used to identify potentially synergistic combinations of existing compressorless cooling technologies, energy-efficient methods of cooling spaces, and energy-efficient distribution systems. Design engineers have reviewed the selected combinations for construction feasibility and other practical constraints. The energy savings potentials of these different combinations are being assessed for the 16 California climate zones and a range of building types (high/low mass, high/low internal gains, high/medium/low solar gains).

Tasks:

Phase I of the project involves assessing cooling systems that can be modeled using the DOE-2.1E whole-building energy simulation program.

In Phase II, EnergyPlus, the U.S. Department of Energy's replacement for DOE-2, will be used to model a wider range of cooling systems, including those for which models are currently being developed in Project 2.3. This activity is scheduled for the third year of the program.

Project Team:

Philip Haves, Joe Huang and Norman Bourassa (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

Clark Bisel (Flack + Kurtz)

Peter Alspach (Ove Arup & Partners)